Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 910, the
“Energy Tax Prevention Act.” The bill was introduced by Rep. Fred Upton,
Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce committee.

In response, Sierra Club
Executive Director Michael Brune made the following statement:

“Though we are appalled by the House passage of H.R. 910 today, we’re
unfortunately not at all surprised.

“Today, at the expense of millions of Americans who suffer from asthma,
respiratory illness and other pollution-related disease, big polluters and
their friends in the House took another step in achieving their goals for
higher profits, dirtier air and water and more jobs shipped overseas.

“Since day one of the 112th Congress, House Republican leadership
like Fred Upton have been tasked by their polluter campaign contributors with
gutting essential health protections like the Clean Air Act and abolishing the
Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to protect us from life-threatening
pollution.

“We’re deeply
disappointed that 19 Democrats sided with Republican
leadership, voting against the interest of their constituents and for the corporate
polluter agenda.

“We urge the Senate to stand its ground for our health, our economy and our
environment by rejecting this damaging and dangerous legislation.”